Join us at Laurier

Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.

Program Details

About the Bachelor of Science in Biology

Our Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology program provides a firm foundation not only in Biology, but also in Chemistry and Math. The BSc program is ideal for those looking to move on to graduate work in Biology or to professional postgraduate programs in environmental or health sciences.

Courses combine theoretical fundamentals with hands-on practices, allowing you to strengthen your proficiency in essential scientific technical and reasoning skills. Senior students can become involved in ongoing research programs at the cutting edge of our discipline.

We also offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology program, which is intended for those who want to have a role in communicating biology and biological concepts to others in careers such as law, education/teaching, public policy or science journalism.

Research Areas of Focus

You'll study molecular processes and cell structures, metabolic pathways, patterns of inheritance, physiological responses, life histories, strategies for survival, growth and reproduction, as well as biodiversity and conservation, across the three domains of life.

As a senior undergraduate student, you’ll have the opportunity to become part of ongoing research programs at the cutting edge of our discipline.

Some examples of recent student research include:

"Effects of water-borne pollutants on the health of fish"

"Mechanisms of biofilm formation by bacteria"

"Evolution of mating behaviour in fruit flies"

"Interactions of plants with soil microbial communities"

"Structure and function of proteins"

"Effects of climate change on northern ecosystems"

Gain Experience through Hands-On Learning

Courses incorporate hands-on lab sessions, tutorials and seminars.

You may complete one or more field courses as part of your program; approximately 30 are offered each year through the Ontario Universities’ Program in Field Biology.

Faculty hire students as research assistants to help in the lab and field.

Capstone experiences through honours theses and directed studies are built around research with a faculty mentor.

Approximately half of the courses we offer include labs that explore a variety of technical and analytical methods in the lab and field.

Third- and fourth-year students may be hired as instructional assistants to work in teaching labs.

Choose Your Concentration

Beginning in third year, students who are not in a double-major program (i.e. students who do not combine this program with another BSc program) can choose to specialize in one of three concentrations:

Cell, Molecular and Microbial Biology and Genetics

Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity

Physiology and Toxicology

Expand Your Degree with a Second Major

Students may also choose to enter one of three double-major science programs or one of two interdisciplinary BSc programs. Expand your horizons by considering:

Interested in Transferring to Laurier?

"The journey was incredible and gave me a breadth of knowledge, skills and experience that is invaluable! This program has allowed for many doors to open to me within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry."